The Ride Home

Chuo, Fu, Qing and Run all rode their horses, various thoughts going through their heads. Chuo could only wonder if his father still lived. Was he returning home after twelve twelvemonths to discover his paterfamilias had expired during his absence? Had his mother? What about his sisters? When had he last heard anything about them?

Was there home still there? Had something happened to it?

"It seems almost like a strange dream, a wonderful one, but still strange." Commented Run. Looking behind him, Chuo looked at Run and she replied: "Going home."

Nodding, Chuo thought it did indeed feel kind of strange. Whoever would have thought they would all live to see the end of the campaign?

"I feared that I would not live to see home again." Stated Fu. "I feared that like my father and mother I too would die a soldier's death, rather than at home surrounded by those I love. Some might call such a desire to die at home cowardly, but to die at home surrounded by family and friends is truly one of the worthiest deaths that a person can die."

"Are you becoming a philosopher, Fu?" asked Chuo.

Chuckling, Fu answered his cousin: "Yes, I think I am."

"Do you think my parents still live?" Chuo asked.

"Your father is a tough individual." Qing replied warmly. "As is your mother. I'm sure they could beat off death with an old stick!"

Sighing, Chuo wondered why his brother could not have.